A Round of Golf with President Bush

One would think that golfing with eight carts filled with Secret Service men would make you a nightmare to share the golf course. To his surprise, however, Golfweek’sJeff Rude had the pleasure of letting the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, play through at the Dallas National Golf Club on Monday.

It seems that being a U.S. President out of office is a pretty sweet gig. Playing three to four rounds a week when home in Dallas, Bush clearly rolls out in style, sporting an exclusive, custom made number “43” cap and, as Rude describes, “those cool looking, Fred Couples style black Ecco shoes.” Apparently, “number 43” isn’t afraid to use a little presidential privilege on the course either.

“After he scuffed a chip just short of the green, he looked at me and said, “There’s mud on my ball. Can I wipe it off?”

I had been introduced to him as a Golfweek writer. Now I was playing rules official.

“I suppose you have some sort of presidential privilege,” I said.

Given that unofficial permission, he picked up his ball, cleaned it, looked over and said, “I’m not going to read about this in the magazine, am I?”

I smiled but didn’t answer. I’ll answer now: No, not in the magazine.

On the Web site.”

Say what you will about W’s track record in public office, he doesn’t seem like the worst guy to have in your foursome. Playing 18 holes with eight secret service cars is probably the safest day on the links you could ask for—now watch this drive!